Carlos Alcaraz felt the Grand Slam final pressure on his Serena Williams return: "I just felt really nervous”
Tennis NewsThursday, 27 August 2026 at 02:30
Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that his long-awaited return to competitive tennis alongside Serena Williams felt more like a Grand Slam final than a mixed doubles match. The Spaniard made his comeback after more than four months away with a wrist injury, but the occasion of sharing the Arthur Ashe Stadium court with one of the greatest players in tennis history brought a level of nerves he had not expected.
Alcaraz and Williams opened their US Open mixed doubles campaign with a 5-3, 4-1 victory over doubles specialists Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool, immediately becoming one of the main attractions of Fan Week in New York. The result gave Alcaraz his first competitive match since April and Williams her first appearance at the US Open since 2022.
Their run ultimately ended in the quarterfinals, where Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli defeated the star pairing 5-4(4), 4-1. Bencic and Cobolli, who won the mixed doubles title at Indian Wells earlier this year, proved too consistent in the decisive moments and advanced to the semifinals.
For Alcaraz, however, the result was secondary to the experience of finally returning to competition — and doing so alongside Williams. The 22-year-old had not played an official match since suffering his wrist injury in Barcelona in April, making the US Open mixed doubles event an unusual but high-profile way to begin his comeback.
Alcaraz reveals the nerves behind his Serena Williams comeback
Speaking after his return to the court, Alcaraz acknowledged that the occasion had affected him from the very beginning. “I just felt really nervous at the beginning, so I felt the pressure, I felt everything,” Alcaraz said.
The nerves were understandable. Alcaraz was not simply returning from a lengthy injury layoff; he was doing it in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium while sharing the court with Williams, who returned to the US Open after four years away from the tournament.
The Spaniard went even further when describing the feeling of stepping back onto the court. “It’s kind of like I was playing in the final of a Grand Slam, so for me it was an amazing experience,” he said. “I loved it and I enjoyed every single second, so for me it was a privilege."
Despite the pressure, Alcaraz quickly settled into the match. He initially dropped serve in the opening game and the pair fell 1-3 behind, but they recovered immediately, with Williams' aggressive returning and Alcaraz's power and movement helping them take control.
That first match represented a significant milestone for both players. Williams was competing in New York again at 44 after returning to professional tennis this season, while Alcaraz was attempting to rediscover his competitive rhythm after an extended injury absence.
Their partnership also created an unusual dynamic, with Alcaraz openly acknowledging the magnitude of playing alongside someone who had been a global tennis icon long before his own career began. The crowd inside Arthur Ashe made the occasion even more significant, turning what was technically a mixed doubles match into one of the most anticipated moments of Fan Week.
Although their campaign ended one round later, the experience gave Alcaraz exactly what he needed before his singles title defence: competitive minutes, the feeling of playing in front of a Grand Slam crowd and, perhaps most importantly, confirmation that his wrist could withstand the demands of match play.
The mixed doubles result will ultimately disappear into the background once the US Open singles draw begins. But for Alcaraz, his first match back will be remembered for something else: the nerves, the pressure and the privilege of sharing the court with Serena Williams.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- …and Foseca ;)DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- All the men dropping like flies. Something’s gotta be done with the tournament calendar or many more players will be on the sidelines in the near future. Surprised Carlos is back as soon as he is. Get well soon Sinner, Draper, Fokina, Rune, etc. etc. etc……DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- I want Pegula to surprise as a one-slam wonder winning in New York. She would then jump over the other three ladies for a number one ranking! I’d put my money on the two American girlies, Jessica and Coco to win in New York. Rybakina cannot seem to perform under this kind of pressure and Sabalenka appears in an anger fog ATM.DaveyWavey24-08-2026
- Well said, Andy. I got sick of Nick carrying on and on and on about Sinner. He absolutely refused to look at the facts. Now look at him. Karma is real!!!Rapunzel23-08-2026
- The fact that ANDY RODDICK of all people has become the voice of “reason” is interesting. He’s absolutely correct about Kyrgios too. He’s become a tennis influencer who is a total hypocrite and bully! I agree with RODDICK 100%DaveyWavey23-08-2026
- Great article! Thiem was similar to Del Potro in that both men had won Grand Slams and injured wrists each stole their careers away. Sad really.DaveyWavey22-08-2026
- I’m not quite sure what’s happening with Sabalenka but she is horrible on court when she’s losing (which is a lot lately). If you cannot control your self at all once you start losing matches - especially at 28 - you need to see a therapist or take a break from the sport. Terrible attitude. This is what represents the women’s tennis tour? Yikes!DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- Love Halep’s post! Very pointed yet simple.DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- He’s such a hypocritical douche! I remember when Sinner was out for three months on his ban and Kyrgios made such disparaging comments towards him and how awful he was. He’s such a mess of a human being.DaveyWavey19-08-2026
- Help me understand this. Nick tests positive for cocaine and gets suspended but Marketa gets banned for four years?Rapunzel19-08-2026
Loading